40 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA: 



over the surface. The gas-lime, being a caustic substance, 

 should not be placed immediately around the trunk, espe- 

 cially if the trees under treatment are young, and to kill 

 the Aphides that may therefore remain at the root-crown, 

 and also to prevent others from working downwards from 

 above, fresh ashes are to be piled in this situation. In 

 England it is the custom to trust the rain to wash the 

 lime into the soil. When applied to a given spot 

 it is said to retain its effectiveness for three years, but 

 its powers are doubtless diminished if it is exposed to air 

 and rain. 



The Minister of Lands, New Zealand, has officially 

 recommended the following effectual method of treatment 

 in dealing with the occurrence of the " Woolly Aphis" on 

 the roots : — Four pounds of sublimed sulphur in an iron 

 pot, with enough water to stir conveniently Avhile boiling 

 for twenty minutes; then add 1 lb. of caustic potash, 

 previously dissolved, and, wdiilst still hot, add as much 

 colza, or other vegetable oil, as will make it into a thick 

 paint. Then, when warm, with a large paint-brush daub 

 it for the space of a foot round the butt of the stem of the 

 tree. Eain will wash it into the roots, and the oil will 

 tend to preserve its strength for years. 



Where young trees have to be planted, and there is any 

 reason to believe that the plants are infested, it is a very 

 good plan to immerse the bundles of trees in tobacco- 

 water, to which a little soft soap may be added — this is an 

 old but very necessary precaution, and, by personal 

 experience, its success can be vouched for. The trees may 

 remain in the solution for twelve hours, and, if necessary, 

 can be planted immediately. The old remedy of painting 

 the trees with kerosene and grease (the emulsion of 

 kerosene would be preferable) is a good one, and, if a 

 strong brush is used, very few living insects will remain 

 after the operation has been performed. 



Mr. Koebele states that he has always had success in 

 destroying " Woolly Aphis" when it occurs, both above 

 ground and on the roots of apple trees, by the use of the 

 "Eesin Compound." For work above ground he sprays 



